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Reviews
Do the Right Thing (1989)
Spike Lee proves his ability
Do the Right Thing by Spike Lee highlights much of the racial tensions that people experienced during that time period and may very well still experience today. the themes of race vs. race plays a major role in the movie and is interesting because it is such an issue in today's world. the depiction of the different characters around Bedford-Stuyvesant, or better known as Bed-Stuy, was very interesting in how it showed the different viewpoints of the various people. one character, Sal, played by Danny Aiello, is detailed in-depth and shows that even when facing tough times, it is important to still be fair to everyone. Spike Lee is able to showcase the destruction that hate and lack of reasoning can have on a community.
Chinatown (1974)
A modern version of film noir
Chinatown is a more modern version of film noir that included many aspects used in the old genre. Jack Nicholson plays private investigator Jake Gittes during a time she the city of Los Angeles must deal with the drought crisis. The movie involves many different aspects that can come off as confusing to the viewer but comes all together in the end. there are some shocking pieces of the story that come about and can leave the audience stunned but the story builds to allow the viewer to thinks like a detective themselves to figure out what was going on. Director Roman Polanski was nominated for best director for his ability to create a movie that is able to involve a real life problem and incorporate it into a mysterious and gripping story.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Pulp Fiction is outstanding
Quetin Tarentino's Pulp Fiction may be hard to follow because of how it jumps through time but the brilliance of Tarentino is still put on display with the creative and interesting story lines involved. John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Ving Rhames, Uma Thurman, and Bruce Willis all bring their own unique style to the tim and it is exciting to see the dark side of society instead of the characters always being good-hearted and genuine. The filmmakers did an amazing job with the different story lines and how they were able get all of them to tie together. the traveling through time can be confusing but it also allows the audience to to see how the characters lives become tangled at different points in the movie.
The Graduate (1967)
Dustin Hoffman is Amazing
The graduate is a brilliant movie that showcases dustin Hoffman's tremendous acting ability along with the terrific job done by the director, Mike Nichols. the movie highlights the struggles of a young man who recently finished college and is takes with trying to answer the difficult question of what he is going to do for the rest of his life. the excellent story of Ben Braddock then quickly changes to a unique and bizarre love story that would peak anybody's interest. the filmmakers did an amazing job with putting this movie together and creating a classic film. the acting and cinematography together make this movie what it is today and showcase why director Mike Nichols and actor Dustin Hoffman have has such successful careers.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)
A subject that needed to be showcased
The story of this movie is very interesting because of the issue that it deals with is a real life issue. the story hits on interracial marriage and how even during a time when racial tension was so high, love can persevere and carry on. the reaction of the parents was very believable because many people during that time would have had the same, or even more severe reaction to the news. Sydney Poitier and Katharine Houghton had visible chemistry on screen and made the story seem like the love that the two shared was real. the acting of Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn seemed genuine and their reactions were very believable also.
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
A fantastic musical
Even though I am not a musical fan, i found this film enjoyable because of the up beat attitude that the characters have. the storyline is easy to follow and the film included music that can be up lifting. The acting was decent but the dancing and singing from the actors and actresses was tremendous. Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor seemed as if they had been lifelong friends before the movie was made and that made that aspect of the movie believable. As a director, Gene Kelly did a beautiful job putting together the different aspects such as choreography, music, singing, and acting. the film is a classic musical that is rightfully considered one of the best movies of its gene.
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
A chilling tale
Night of the Hunter is a film that deliveries a chilling mood that can send tingles down your spine. The story is interesting and the movie is successful in pinning good verse evil. the presence of music and the common theme of a particular song, sung by Harry Powell, gives the audience a creepy feeling that eludes to danger being right around the corner. the filmmakers, especially director Charles Laughton, were able to create a sinister force in Robert Mitchum's character and take a character who is a reverend and give him a chilling dark side. his charismatic attitude on the outside is what makes the character so frightening because he can be likable. The black and white aspect of the film also adds to the suspense
Double Indemnity (1944)
Double Indemnity fits the mold of a film noir
From director Billy Wilder, Double Indemnity is a film film that hits on a very real subject that has occurred through the years. the setting and lighting really contributed to the true film noir feel to the movie and the role of Phyllis, played by Barbara Stanwyck, as a femme fatale gave the movie a deceptive presence. the role of betrayal in the movie plays a huge part as there are many temptations provided throughout the film. The filmmakers used darkness terrifically to set the overall mood to the story and present a sense of mystery to the movie. Fred MacMurray's character, Walter Neff, gives the film a protagonist that is albe to be transformed from a straight and narrow person to one that falls down a darker path and the casting for the film was brilliant.
Mildred Pierce (1945)
A classic film noir in Mildred Pierce
This movie proved the point that a true film noir film does not need a male character in the lead role and that the mood can be set without following the typical guidelines of the genre. Joan Crawford was brilliant as Mildred Pierce and the audience is able to feel her struggles throughout the film. The story-telling gave the film a special aspect that allowed the film to give the off the mysterious mood that it did. The filmmakers did a fantastic putting this movie together and director Michael Curtiz was able to follow up his movie, Casablanca, with another hit. Joan Crawford's performance rightly won her the Academy Award for best actress and showcased her immense talent as an actress.
Nothing Sacred (1937)
Funny screwball comedy
Nothing Sacred is another screwball comedy that fits the bill with the rest of the films during that time. Carole Lombard, after playing Irene Bullock in the ultra successful My Man Godfrey film a year earlier, once again is brilliant as she plays Hazel Flaggs. The film is able to present comedy through excellent execution of the dialogue and creative script writing from the filmmakers. the movie is very well directed by William Wellman and is truly successful in getting humor out of the eccentric characters and the overall feel in the film. The acting in the movie is superb with each joke or line being delivered perfectly in order to make the film funny and light-hearted. Nothing Sacred combined terrific script writing with tremendous acting to become a classic movie from a time when movies were forced to follow the strict guidelines of the 1934 censorship code.
Hell's House (1932)
Focuses on important issues
Hell's House was a film that i felt, even though the movie itself could have been better, was successful in focusing on important topics like the treatment of juveniles and prisoners. the film was able to get that message across that something needed to be done about the conditions those boys faced but the story by itself felt lacking. the movie fits right in with the theme of prison or crime based movies that were being made at that time (mainly from Warner Bros.). the acting was satisfactory but i was able to see the bond between the boys grow while they were in the reform school and that made the movie work. The film did not impress me as much as other movie during the time when it was made but i still believe that it was successful in accomplishing what the filmmakers set out to do.
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Humphrey Bogart shows why he is one of the best
The Maltese Falcon features Humphrey Bogart as private detective SamSpade and Bogart plays the character exceptionally well. The movie uses the smooth talking Spade as the perfect protagonist for the film as well as the use of actress Mary Astor as a femme fatale. this was a common theme for films back in this time to include a femme fatale because it made for the main character to be vulnerable to being deceived or seduced by the mysterious woman and cause trouble. Film used the new style of film noir to give a sense of mystery and deception the film. Sydney Greenstreet plays the role of Kasper Gutman well as the the antagonist of the film and gives the movie a character to root against. The style of the film worked great with the screenplay and made for a true detective film that featured suspense, mystery, and cleverness.
The Invisible Man (1933)
An original monster movie
The Invisible Man was another film by H.G. Wells that was made as a B-Movie. the film, along with movies like Frankenstein and King Kong, was one of the first movies in the monster genre. the storyline is very interesting and and the filmmakers allowed the viewers to see the transformation of the main character through what he must go through. the effects of the camera work were truly outstanding to make Claude Rains look actually invisible and the film succeeded in getting the viewer to appreciate the ability of the filmmakers to create the"monster". The setting is used well to play a role in the movie because it was able to emphasize the monster and how he interacted with it that created the fear in the public. The Invisible Man is one of the more notable B-movies because of the original concept and tremendous effects.
Casablanca (1942)
One of the most iconic movies of all time
Casablanca was a down-to-earth love story that that many people may not be able to relate with personally but can still understand it. The movie feature some of the greatest and most iconic Hollywood stars including Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Sydney Greenstreet. The movie is a classic for its terrific use of lighting in set and for some of the most memorable movie lines of all time. the filmmakers truly succeeded in making the film revolve around serious events like the state of France during World War II while also giving the film a sense of light-heartedness with subtle jokes and clever script writing. the love story in the film is believable because of the outstanding work by Bogart and Bergman and the viewer could see that there was really something between them throughout the movie. Casablanca became an instant classic and is rightfully considered one of the greatest movies in Hollywood history.
Stagecoach (1939)
the beginning of a star
In a year that has become known as one of the greatest years in movie making history, Stagecoach, starring John Wayne, has become one of the most classic western films of all time. with the emergence of a star such as John Wayne and a high quality group of supporting actors and actresses, Stagecoach was bound to be a hit for years to come. the movie works great to convey multiple story lines and allows the viewer to feel as if they are out in the desert with the characters. The filmmakers did a tremendous job shooting this movie with a brilliant setting. The amount of effort that went into making this film was worth it for the stunning scenery in the open area of the desert. Also, the movie did not require as much violence and gunslinging that you see in more modern westerns because the movie was able to focus on other aspects. Stagecoach set the precedent for westerns and really upgraded the genre over what was being made at the time
My Man Godfrey (1936)
very funny and great filmmaking
My Man Godfrey is an excellent screwball comedy that can adhere to most ages. William Powell was excellent as the lead, Godfrey, and Carole Lombard played the role of Irene Bullock beautifully. this film is a classic piece of American cinema and part of that can come from the filmmakers having to follow the strict censorship code put forth in 1934. The chemistry between the actors and actresses was easily visible and that created the funny moments that filled the film. i enjoy comedies over other types of films and this movie was no exception. Because it wasn't filled jokes or funny scenarios like the movies of more recent times, I was able to enjoy the film for the story that it portrayed while laughing throughout at the interactions between the characters. it was nice to see a screwball comedy that delivers its humor through different methods than those that are seen frequently today.
Frankenstein (1931)
Quality movie with a few flaws
Frankenstein was a quality monster movie for the time of it's release and was really one of the first original horror films of its time. Boris Karloff played the monster beautifully and his character did not require lines or dialogue because his feelings were conveyed through his actions. The cinematography was strong in some aspects including the scenes where the camera seemed to follow the actor or actress. the characterization, on the other hand, left some to be desired. the main character, Henry Frankenstein, seemed to have a complete change in personality at one point in the film and that made the movie seem not well thought out. I can see why this film has become some what of a classic but i did not feel the movie was one of the best that i have seen.
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)
great movie with outstanding use of sound
this movie was sensational in how it was one of the first feature length films to use sound and dialect over the silent films that preceded it. the actor was terrific with all the characters doing a quality job in portraying the mood of the film. Paul Moni was excellent as James Allen and the viewer could really feel what he felt with the emotion that he showed throughout the movie. The viewer can actually feel sympathy for his character and he does a great job at relaying his emotions through his expressions and actions. The use of sound in this movie was tremendous as the film makers did a great job synchronizing the visuals of the movie with the sound effects that were put in. Even though at some points it seemed off, it was still a job well done for their tie period.
The General (1926)
good movie with quality acting
The general was a funny and entertaining movie that did not require dialogue to convey its message. Buster Keaton was brilliant in his role as Johnnie and his actions were truly funny. Also, Marion Mack was superb as Annabelle Lee and her relationship with Buster Keaton in the film felt genuine. Buster Keaton was a monumental figure in the history of American Cinema and movies like The General only back up that claim. this and other films prove how well of a film maker Keaton was. The making of this movie took an extensive amount of time including the most expensive stunt in history at the time but it did not go to waste with the good story and mood this film conveys to the viewer.
The Circus (1928)
great acting and style
even though i do not usually find silent films enjoying, i found this movie to be both funny and interesting in style. Charlie Chaplin was tremendous as the tramp and is one of the most incredible actors throughout the history of cinema. His character was funny and exciting and he brought the film to life with his goofy but good hearted behavior. The style of the film really proved that a message can be sent without actual dialogue between characters. Merna Kennedy was also terrific in her role and the two shared a chemistry on screen that was represented without speech. the movie appealed to me and i feel that anybody who values these types of classic movies would also enjoy this film.